Neoenergia Institute launched the first edition of Prêmio
Inspirar (Inspire
Awards). In order to value art and culture initiatives that promote social
transformations and accelerate the progress towards the sustainable
development, the first edition of the awards will acknowledge projects led by
women in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Baixada Fluminense (Lowlands of the
State of Rio de Janeiro), and the State of Pernambuco. Neoenergia Institute’s
new front is supported by Celpe, Neoenergia’s distribution company in
Pernambuco, and the technical partnership with Baluarte Cultura.
“The creation of the awards
amidst such a challenging time in Brazil has, from the choice of the name, the intent
to inspire more people to think of solutions that contribute to the sustainable
development. Many women have been developing fantastic actions in their
communities, overcoming the huge challenges of social inequality, which became
much bigger due to the pandemic. We want to acknowledge and value initiatives
led by them, who, often anonymously, promote great social transformations to their
regions”, explained Renata Chagas, Neoenergia Institute’s Chief Executive
Officer.
The creation of Prêmio
Inspirar also responds to UN’s call for the Decade of Action - which calls companies,
governments and civil society to mobilize to achieve the goals of the 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. In its first edition, the awards
set the strengthening of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and will contemplate
initiatives led both cis or trans women and underrepresented groups, such as
the indigenous peoples, maroons, black communities, ethnic minorities, persons
with a disability and LGBTQIA+ community.
“For us, it is a very
important initiative, mainly due to what it represents to the cultural scene,
which was greatly impacted by the problems arising from the pandemic. We want
to acknowledge and honor those women who, even with all difficulties, kept
their projects, motivating and transforming their communities through art and
culture”, said Paula Brandão, Baluarte Cultura’s Director.
Female leaderships may sign
up for the awards at Neoenergia’s Institute, at www.institutoneoenergia.org.br, by 6:00 PM of June 21. The
selection stages consist of initial screening, in which a technical team will
be evaluating the correct completion of the registration form, the
pre-selection, with the analysis of projects - performed by a notoriously
knowledgeable female committee, which meet the criteria for Inspiration,
Transformation, Articulation and Diversity/Creativity, time on which the
finalists will be announced, and the popular vote, when the civil society will
choose the award winners from September 7 to 20. The award ceremony will be
held on September 23, broadcast on-line via Neoenergia’s YouTube channel and
Facebook page.